from

preposition

ˈfrəm 

ˈfräm,

 also  fəm

1

a

—used as a function word to indicate a starting point of a physical movement or a starting point in measuring or reckoning or in a statement of limits

came here from the city

a week from today

cost from $5 to $10

b

—used as a function word to indicate the starting or focal point of an activity

called me from a pay phone

ran a business from her home

2

—used as a function word to indicate physical separation or an act or condition of removal, abstention, exclusion, release, subtraction, or differentiation

protection from the sun

relief from anxiety

3

—used as a function word to indicate the source, cause, agent, or basis

we conclude from this

a call from my lawyer

inherited a love of music from his father

worked hard from necessity

Examples of from in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

And with Evgeni Malkin having now missed three consecutive games with an upper-body injury, the Penguins could use an unexpected pick-me-up from their beleaguered No. 1 goalie. —Rob Rossi, The Athletic, 12 Jan. 2025

Set clear goals, then trust them to take it from there. —Bryan Robinson, Forbes, 11 Jan. 2025

Take note from Martha Stewart and Oprah Winfrey and grab the Melifluos Faux Fur Collar Scarf at Amazon to cleverly bundle up for winter. —Clara McMahon, People.com, 11 Jan. 2025

That is down from job growth of 3 million in 2023, 4.5 million in 2022 and a record 6.4 million in 2021 as the economy bounced back from massive covid-19 job losses. —Paul Wiseman The Associated Press, arkansasonline.com, 11 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English from, fram; akin to Old High German fram, adverb, forth, away, Old English faran to go — more at fare

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

from

preposition

(ˈ)frəm 

ˈfräm

1

—used to show a starting or central point

came here from the city

a letter from home

ran a business from home

2

—used to show removal or separation

the dictator fell from power

subtract 3 from 9

far from safe

3

—used to show a material, source, or cause

a doll made from rags

reading aloud from a book

suffering from a cold